Solar Returns Formulas & Analyses [Paperback]

Nance McCullough (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1999

Unlike other solar return books which list only one to six rules, this one details 31 different predictive rules which govern the passage of the solar return. These rules, each with its own chapter, are supported by a variety of real life examples, providing a true sense of how each of these rules works. This is a book for beginning astrologers as well as a thought-provoking work for those well into astrology and wishing to expand their awareness.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

This newest work from renowned astrologer Nance McCullough provides insight into one of the more significant times of life - when the Sun returns to the place in the heavens which marks our time of birth. Why are Solar Returns significant? What happens, what can happen, and why? These are questions that are answered in this warm and easy-to-read book. Nance McCullough details 31 different rules which govern the passage of the solar return. These rules, each with its own chapter, are supported by a variety of case studies - providing a real and practical sense of how each of these rules works. This is a book for beginning astrologers as well as a thought-provoking work for those well into astrology and wishing to expand their awareness.

About the Author

Nance McCullough was listed in the 1991 Monarch Press' Who's Who in the United States of America. Ms. McCullough has taught astrology at the local college in Corpus Christi, Texas, since 1971. She is also the author of two other books on astrology, as well as two audiocassette tapes.

Product Details

• Paperback: 174 pages
• Publisher: Namac Pub (December 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0936916036
• ISBN-13: 978-0936916033
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,124,441 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars clear, approachable and filled with examples, June 2, 2006

By 

J. Kahl (San Francisco Bay Area) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Solar Returns Formulas & Analyses (Paperback)

As an astrologer with 25 years of learning and 10 years of practice behind me, I had become frustrated at the dizzying array of solar return techniques available and the way each proponent defends his/her technique fiercely and claims that it is the only right one. Frankly, that's tiresome. In Ms McCullough's book I found no such browbeating, veiled insults or soapbox monologues. Instead, I found many, many useful examples and a set of 30+ rules clearly explained.
I have searched far and wide looking for a technique that I can use and have come to the realization that most of the techniques in use seem to work well for their proponents, but that they differ greatly in approach. In Ms. McCullough's slender book I found my answer: an approach to erecting and interpreting solar returns that I can use effectively. As to whether this approach will work for you, that's for you to determine. Be aware that this approach is based on a tropical solar return that is not precession-corrected. It includes no sidereal techniques at all, which makes this method simple and straightforward. Ms. McCullough also makes a strong case for equal house charts (for both natal and solar returns) and supports it throughout the book with her many examples.
This is a basically solid book with a few obvious flaws. Thank goodness its flaws are apparent rather than hidden. The book may seem anecdotal because some of the examples are taken from Ms McCullough's own life, and some of them are used more than once as illustrations of different principles. This didn't bother me because it made the author transparent, which I personally appreciate. I think too many astrologers try to write in a distant, academic style and just end up sounding pedantic and unnecessarily complex. And by far the majority of her examples were taken from what can only be the client base of a consulting astrologer with many years' experience.
Her writing style is also a bit goofy at times (far, far too many words in all capitals, which makes solid information look amateurish and makes the reader feel shouted at) but the information is soundly derived from the charts provided in the text. I found this book tremendously useful once I got past the writing style and I appreciated Ms M's friendly and approachable tone.
I would recommend this book to students of astrology because it is so clearly and simply written and also because Ms McCullough's method is a great example of why so many longtime astrologers eventually end up using the equal house system. As a bonus, her technique makes extensive use of derivative houses, which is a great lesson for students all by itself.
For professionals, I'd say that if you are committed to a solar return technique and it's not tropical/non-precessed, you should definitely skip this book because it will add nothing to your knowledge base. If, on the other hand, you are committed to a tropical/non-precessed technique, then this book will likely have much to offer that you haven't considered. And if you are uncommitted, this book is certainly worth a look.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, September 2, 2002

By 

Joyce B. (Portland, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Solar Returns Formulas & Analyses (Paperback)

True-life examples make this book fascinating. Many astrologers are not familiar with the use of "equal houses" or "solar returns." These are facets which should be studied closely and applied to all charts. Any serious astrologer should consider the information in this book, which contains many easy-to-apply rules. This author seems to be highly experienced and knowledgeable.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Down to earth, September 9, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Solar Returns Formulas & Analyses (Paperback)

I enjoyed the no nonsense style of writing without all of the psychic mumbo jumbo. Good info, with easy to read ... and easy to understand charts that show significant life events. As a beginning astrologer I found the work to be stimulating as well as informative. A bargain at the list price, and a welcome addition to the bookshelf.